Boating license? We make it simple

Get Your Pleasure Craft Operator Card today, be on the water in just a few hours

Complete the Course

Animated & narrated for all ages

Pass the Test

Free unlimited retries

Go Boating

Print your temp card immediately

How to obtain your Canadian boating license from BOATsmart! Exam - Transport Canada Accredited provider of the Pleasure Craft Operator Card.It's a beautiful day. Everybody is heading out on the water but you're docked because no one in your family has a boating license. That's not cool. So you've got some questions. How do I get a boat license? What are the rules? What side of the marker buoy do I go on? There's a lot of important stuff to know about driving a boat in Canada. That's why you're required to carry a Pleasure Craft Operator Card. It's sort of like a license that says 'Hey, I'm a certified smart boater!' All ages need it, and even if you're under 16 you can get it. It's required for all types of engines, even under 10 horsepower and boats of all shapes and sizes. If your boat has an engine, you need your card. It's the law. Cool, so how do you get your card? That's where BOATsmart! Exam comes in. They've got you covered. First, register online at boat smart exam .com. They've got this great online boating course. You'll learn everything you need to know. It's narrated, animated, and includes helpful practice questions. Plus they'll even track your progress so you can learn at your own pace. When you're ready and finished studying it's time to take the final Pleasure Craft Operator Card test. Don't stress. It's multiple choice and you can complete it online from, well, anywhere. And if you don't pass the first time, no worries. You can take the test as many times as you need to. They even include unlimited retries if you need them, which you won't. When you pass you'll be able to print a temporary card and go boating right away. Plus your permanent card is already in the mail. So, that's pretty cool. It never expires. It's good for life. Wow. That's a long time. And if you ever lose your card or want extra copies for the cottage, cabin or boat, new cards are always just a call or email away. So, what are you waiting for? Get certified today with BOATsmart!. They've been making smart boaters for over 10 years, plus you'll even get discounts on marine insurance and boating safety gear when you get your card. And they've got some really great partners that love boaters too. So you get a lot more than just your card with BOATsmart! Get your boating license today at boat smart exam .com. You'll be on the water in no time. Oh yah, and it's not just for dad or your usual captain. We have a special discount just for families. It's super smart for the whole family to get certified.

We've been making smart boaters for over 10 years in Canada

Study the Online Course

Our narrated, animated and interactive lessons put you in the captain's seat. Everything you need to pass the test is included. Learn more

Pass the Online Test

Unlimited retries are included in the standard one-time registration fee. Take the test from the comfort of your home, no supervisor required.

Print Your Card and Go Boating

Print a temporary card immediately and go boating! Your permanent card is in the mail and is good for life.

What is a Pleasure Craft Operator Card?

A Pleasure Craft Operator Card* (PCOC) proves that you have gained the knowledge to safely operate a motorized pleasure craft on Canada's waterways.

Who needs one?

If you, or any of your family members operate a motorized watercraft, you need your Pleasure Craft Operator Card now. This federal law applies to all operators of motorized watercraft regardless of age, length of boat or engine horsepower - including electric trolling motors and sailboats equipped with engines. It's the law.

How do I get my Operator Card?

Commonly referred to as a boating license, the official PCOC is issued upon successful completion of the BOATsmart!® test. There is no minimum age to obtain a boat license and once certified, your PCOC is good for life.

What are the fines if I don't have my card?

Boaters who fail to carry a Pleasure Craft Operator Card* can be fined a minimum of $250 by any officer of the peace.

Watch, Listen and Learn

Families who study together, save together

BOATsmart!® Exclusive — Families can save up to 35% off the Pleasure Craft Operator Card test when they register together. Remember, the Canadian boating license isn't just for dad or your regular captain, its super smart for the whole family to get certified.

Who is BOATsmart!

BOATsmart!® is an official Transport Canada
Accredited Course Provider. We educate and certify boaters for
their Pleasure Craft Operator Card. We are also a leading provider of
recreational boat insurance and boating safety gear. Just like you we're
boaters, and our mission is to empower you to boat with confidence.

Who needs a boat license?

If you operate a motorized boat in Canada,
you need a Pleasure Craft Operator Card*.
The federal lay applies to all ages, all
boat lengths and all engine sizes –
even electric trolling motors and sailboats equipped with engines. If you're stopped without a boating license you'll face a minimum $250 fine. Once obtained, your BOATsmart! Operator Card is good for life.

How old do you have to be to take the exam for boaters?

Boaters of any age can take the online boating course and exam for boaters - Even boaters under 16 years of age. In fact, we recommend young boaters take the online boating course, obtain their Operator Card and then head out on the water with an experienced boater to put their knowledge into practice.

How hard is Transport Canada Boating Safety Test?

Well first off, we'll help you progress through the Canadian boating course, and you'll learn everything you need to pass and obtain your operator card. So it isn't that hard, since you'll already know everything! The boating safety exam consists of 50 multiple choice questions so all of the answers are right there for you. You'll need at least 75% (38 out of 50) to pass, but don't stress because the Boating Safety Test is open book!

What happens if I don't pass?

No problem. We want you to be confident when you're out on the water. So your one-time fee includes unlimited free boating test retries and unlimited access to our online boating course. You can try the exam once every 24 hours. Just keep in mind that Transport Canada rules will require you to redo the online boating course if you happen to fail your second attempt.

Is my boat license good for life?

Yes! You did all of that studying so we think you deserve it! Your BOATsmart!® Operator Card will never expire and is good for life. However, it's still a great idea to brush up on your knowledge each season, so we've included lifetime BOATsmart! Coach™ animated refresher lessons in your one-time course fee.

Why do more Canadians choose BOATsmart!® Exam?

Great question. We know boating is your passion, so we think you deserve more
than just an exam for boaters. Only BOATsmart!® offers the
boating license exam plus discounts on recreational boat insurance,
boating safety gear, family pricing and free refresher lessons.
We're proud that more Canadians choose BOATsmart!®
and we believe its because we help you boat with confidence – not just take an exam.

Is BOATsmart!® Transport Canada Accredited?

Yes. BOATsmart!® is an official Transport Canada Accredited Pleasure Craft Operator Card provider. What does this really mean? It means that with BOATsmart!® your Operator Card will always be valid and we'll be here if you ever need to replace your card. Unlike some other Course Providers, we're a proud Canadian brand with a team of committed boaters who live and breath what we do!

Am I eligible for boat insurance discounts when I get my card?

Only when you obtain your Pleasure Craft Operator Card through BOATsmart!®, you're eligible for up to 25% off your annual policy premium. That's an exclusive benefit offered only through BOATsmart! Assure™.